Windsor fire cover fight will take to the courts

A fire station set to have its night-time cover axed is being offered a lifeline after a council has announced it will take the cause to the courts.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead can now seek judicial review of Berkshire Fire Authority's decision to dilute Windsor Fire Station's round the clock cover - which campaigners argue will put lives at danger.

Celebrity supporters of the campaign to save the fire station, include Sir Elton John, Bray resident Michael Parkinson and singer Natalie Imbruglia.

Cllr David Burbage (Con, Bray), leader of the council, said that the news was 'very encouraging'.

"We took the decision in October to resort to legal action to overturn the fire authority's decision," he said.

"This week's news is a positive step forward in our bid to safeguard the level of fire cover for our residents and visitors.”

Flamboyant Bray super-chef Heston Blumenthal is the latest to pledge his support for the campaign.

He signed one of his menus for the Save Windsor Fire Station campaign which said: "What on earth are we supposed to do when our chip fryer goes up in flames now?"

A date for the court hearing has not yet been set.